Preview: Vietnam vs. Australia - prediction, team news, lineups

Australia will look to continue their perfect record in the World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday, when they make the trip to take on Vietnam.

The Socceroos cruised through the second round with eight straight victories, and kicked off the new phase with a comfortable 3-0 win over China last time out, while their hosts were handed a 3-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia.

Match preview

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Vietnam began in the second round of Asian World Cup Qualifiers with a goalless draw against Thailand, before picking up consecutive victories over Malaysia, Indonesia and United Arab Emirates to establish themselves at the top end of the group.

Park Hang-seo's men then played out back-to-back draws and defeated Indonesia and Malaysia to see them maintain top spot in Group H.

While they were handed their first defeat in the final group game, seeing United Arab Emirates leapfrog the Golden Star Warriors, Vietnam still ranked comfortably as one of the best runners-up, meaning they earned progression to the third round of qualifying.

They began with a tough trip to take on Saudi Arabia and had the perfect start as Nguyen Quang Hai netted a third-minute opener, but a red card shown to Do Duy Manh early in the second half gave them an even difficult task.

Salem Al-Dawsari converted the resulting penalty to draw the hosts level, before Yasser Al-Shahrani added a second 10 minutes later and Saleh Al-Shehri converted Saudi Arabia's second penalty of the game to secure the three points.

With only two sides earning guaranteed progression to the World Cup from each group, and third spot booking a playoff tie for the final place in next year's tournament, it is vital that the Golden Star Warriors quickly bounce back, but their schedule does not get any easier as they welcome the group favourites.

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The Socceroos come in on the back of their ninth straight win of the World Cup Qualifying campaign, having cruised through the second round with a perfect record.

Graham Arnold's men set the tone with a 3-0 win over Kuwait, and they quickly followed that up with a 5-0 victory against Nepal and a 7-1 thrashing of Chinese Taipei.

They finished the round with 24 points from eight outings, recording a round-high tally of 28 goals while only conceding two at the other end.

Upon their return to action in the third round, Arnold's side continued where they left off, defeating China 3-0 on Thursday as Awer Mabil, Martin Boyle and Mitchell Duke found the net.

As the favourites to progress to next year's tournament, Australia will look to put another win on the board and strengthen their position at the top of group B.

Team News

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Vietnam come into the game without defender Do Duy Manh, who will serve a suspension after his red card against Saudi Arabia.

Nguyen Quang Hai will keep his place in the front line after hitting the opening goal in that game, likely supporting striker Nguyen Tien Linh.

Australia are expected to make minimal changes, after Arnold deployed a relatively full-strength side for the clash with China.

Experienced midfielder Aaron Mooy will be pushing for a starting spot alongside Jackson Irvine, while striker Mitchell Duke scored off the bench last time out and will also be keen to break into the starting XI.

The central striker will be supported by Celtic star Tom Rogic, who has netted nine goals in 48 appearances for his nation, while wingers Martin Boyle and Awer Mabil both got on the scoresheet in the recent 3-0 win and offer additional threat going forward.

Goalkeeper Mathew Ryan will again feature between the sticks, behind an accomplished centre-back pairing of Harry Souttar and Trent Sainsbury.

Vietnam possible starting lineup:
Bui; Trong, Que, Chung, Vu; Hoang, Anh, Duc; Quang, Linh, Duc

Australia possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Grant, Souttar, Sainsbury, Elder; Irvine, Mooy; Boyle, Rogic, Mabil; Duke

We say: Vietnam 0-4 Australia

Given their form in the qualifying campaign so far, we see Australia having far too much for their hosts on Tuesday, as they continue to march towards next year's World Cup.

The Socceroos have consistently punished opposition going forward, while their back line is more than capable of dealing with Vietnam's attack.